Faith

Perhaps
you have heard the phrase “Faith can move mountains.” Jesus
actually talks about faith that strong later in his ministry (see
Mark 11:22-25). I’ve always marveled at that phrase. I’ve spent
considerable time in the mountains. I’ve lived near the Rockies,
the Sierra Nevadas, and the Cascades in the western United States.
Mountains are huge. They are ancient geological barriers that can
weather any storm. They are solid and enduring, strong and
unyielding.

But
faith in Jesus is even stronger and bigger. The faith of the friends
in this passage is strong enough to tear apart a roof to bring their
paralyzed friend to Jesus, because they know he can heal their
friend. Jesus is so moved by their faith that he does what they want
him to do—and he doesn’t even criticize them for damaging the
roof! The amazing thing is that Jesus does even more than they have
hoped. He forgives the man’s sins as well as healing him from
paralysis. In this way the friends’ faith becomes an example to
everyone there who has come to see Jesus.

Faith
can move people to do incredible things. And in response, Jesus can
make huge impacts in this world. He can heal and forgive. He can
change the heart of an individual or the hearts an entire group of
people. This is all because of his ability to see faith in anyone who
comes to him, whether they walk or are carried by their friends.

Prayer

Jesus, build faith inside us so we can see how you call us to act, trusting in you to make amazing changes for good in this world. Amen.